KarunaNews Story

Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, the first tribally-affiliated medical school in the US, celebrated a monumental achievement May 16 as its first class of 46 medical students graduated. Approximately 20% of the inaugural class are Native American. “These graduates, who have completed their training in the heart of the Cherokee Nation, embody the values of service, compassion and excellence that define both the Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma State University,” said OSU-CHS President Johnny Stephens. “Their dedication not only addresses the critical shortage of rural doctors but also increases the representation of Native and Cherokee physicians within our health system and other tribal health systems in this state, ensuring top-notch care rooted in culture for generations to come,” said Cherokee Nation principal chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.